Artisan Custom Woodwork in Chattanooga: Commission-Built Cabinetry, Metal Fabrication, and Tile Installation
A full-service custom carpentry and metalworking shop in Chattanooga that designs and builds bespoke cabinetry, fabricates steel and aluminum components, and installs tile work for residential renovations and new construction. The business operates as a one-owner operation with a 3,500-square-foot workshop in the Northshore area, handling projects ranging from $5,000 kitchen remodels to $50,000-plus multi-room renovations with integrated custom millwork and metal accents.
What the shop actually does
The owner works directly with homeowners and contractors to plan and fabricate custom elements rather than install pre-made cabinet systems. This means designs begin with site measurements and material samples, not showroom catalogs. Wood species selection (cherry, walnut, oak, maple) drives both timeline and cost. Metal work includes custom stair railings, fireplace surrounds, range hoods, and decorative wall panels, often mixed with wood framing. Tile installation covers kitchen and bath backsplashes, full bathroom walls, shower bases, and accent walls, with options ranging from subway tile ($2 to $5 per square foot installed) to high-end hand-cut artisan tiles ($15 to $30 per square foot). All tile work includes waterproofing substrate preparation, which affects both price and durability but is often skipped by less specialized installers.
Services and pricing
Kitchen cabinetry runs $150 to $300 per linear foot for custom built-ins, compared to $75 to $150 for semi-custom frameless systems from box stores and $40 to $80 for stock cabinets. A 10-foot galley kitchen in custom cherry costs roughly $2,000 to $3,000; the same footprint in pre-made maple is $400 to $800. Handcrafted wood range hoods begin at $2,500; tile backsplash installation (labor plus materials) for a standard kitchen runs $1,500 to $3,500 depending on tile grade and complexity. Metal railing fabrication for interior stairs starts at $3,000 and scales with height and detail. A custom fireplace surround in mixed wood and steel may cost $8,000 to $15,000. Initial consultation and design drawings are free; revisions after the first three sketches incur a $150 design fee per round. Lead times for cabinetry are 6 to 10 weeks; tile work is typically scheduled within 2 to 4 weeks of materials arriving on-site.
How it compares to other Chattanooga contractors
Most general contractors in Chattanooga source cabinetry from distributors serving the Southeast (Omega, Schrock, Kraftmaid) and subcontract installation, which adds markup and separates design from execution. This shop's in-house fabrication cuts out the middleman and allows mid-project changes without ordering delays. For tile work, the difference is substrate preparation: licensed tile contractors in Chattanooga who use proper cement board and waterproofing membranes (like Schluter systems) cost 30 to 50 percent more than those who skip it, but avoid future water damage. This shop always includes waterproofing on wet areas. Wood and metal work is rarely offered together by single contractors locally; most Chattanooga remodelers hire separate metal fabricators and carpenters, which complicates coordination and cost control. If your project requires only stock cabinetry and standard tile, a kitchen chain store or general contractor is cheaper. If custom aesthetics, mixed materials, and problem-solving matter more than speed, this shop's overhead is justified.
Who it suits and who it does not
This shop works well for homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term, renovating older houses where standard cabinet widths do not fit, or building homes with specific design intent. Kitchen islands, pantries, mudrooms, and home offices benefit most from bespoke design. It suits contractors who want a single point of contact for finish carpentry and architectural details. It does not suit quick-turnaround flips, rental properties optimized for lowest cost, or projects with hard deadlines under 8 weeks for cabinetry. Clients who want to walk into a showroom and pick colors from samples should use semi-custom manufacturers; the custom process here is slower and requires more decision-making upfront.
What the first visit involves
The owner meets at your home or project site with a measuring tape, camera, and samples of wood and tile finishes. He will ask about existing appliances, plumbing locations, how you cook, and where you store things. You will sketch ideas or bring Pinterest photos; he will tell you if they are feasible and cost-effective. This visit typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. A follow-up meeting happens once designs are drawn, usually 1 to 2 weeks later. Payment is 50 percent down upon approval of final drawings and material order, 40 percent upon fabrication completion, and 10 percent upon installation sign-off. No work begins until the deposit clears.
Hours, location, and logistics
The workshop is open by appointment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays by request for in-home consultations. Parking is on-site. Confirm current hours and deposit terms directly before scheduling. Installation work is coordinated around your general contractor's timeline or scheduled as a standalone phase. Delivery and installation are included in all pricing.
For a kitchen that reflects how you actually live, not a catalog of standard options, this shop's custom process and mixed-material capability make it the right choice in Chattanooga.
